Patent Grant
12287136
This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to German Patent Application No. 102023127770.7, filed on Oct. 11, 2023, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
The invention relates to an ice-making device, in particular for a household appliance.
The invention relates to an ice-making device, in particular for a household appliance, comprising a receiving device for receiving at least one moulding element which is intended to mould an ice piece.
Such household appliances are, for example, refrigeration appliances of household equipment, in particular refrigerators, freezers or the like. Such appliances often include an ice-making device for providing ice pieces. By means of a liquid supply device, a liquid, usually water, is supplied to a moulding element in which the liquid then freezes. The moulding element determines the shape of the ice pieces. In addition to the already well-known ice cubes, there is an increased demand for ice pieces with other shapes. Spherical ice pieces are particularly favoured. However, moulding a spherical ice piece is difficult. Up to now, the moulding of such spherical ice pieces has involved a multi-part design of the moulding element, for example a two-part design. After freezing, the moulding element is opened, and the spherical ice piece is removed. However, such a design is technically complex and therefore cost-intensive.
The object of the present invention is to provide an ice-making device which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. It is also the object of the invention to provide a household appliance which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.
The problem is solved by the objects of the claims. The subclaims comprise preferred embodiments.
According to the invention, an ice-making device is provided, in particular for a household appliance, comprising a receiving device for receiving at least one moulding element which is suitable and intended for moulding a piece of ice, wherein the at least one moulding element is designed in one piece and consists of an elastic material, wherein the at least one moulding element comprises an inlet opening for introducing a liquid and an ejection opening for ejecting an ice piece.
The household appliance is preferably a refrigeration appliance of the household equipment, for example a refrigerator, a freezer or the like. The liquid introduced via the inlet opening is preferably water. However, other liquids suitable for consumption would also be conceivable. After the liquid has been introduced into the at least one moulding element, the liquid preferably freezes (i.e., a transition to the solid state of aggregation takes place). After the liquid is completely frozen, the moulded ice piece is ejected or removed from the ejection opening.
The ice-making device according to the invention comprises at least one one-piece moulding element. A one-piece embodiment is to be understood here as meaning that all sections of the moulding element are manufactured from a single and uniform part. This is to be distinguished from a one-piece design, in which all sections are not manufactured from a single and uniform part but are not only firmly but so intimately connected to one another that they do not appear as several sections joined to one another and in any case can no longer be detached from one another without destroying them in the process.
In contrast to the two-part moulding elements known from the prior art, the halves of which must be separated after moulding in order to be able to remove the ice piece, only a one-part moulding element is sufficient for the ice-making device according to the invention.
According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one moulding element comprises a wall element which encloses a receiving space. The receiving space is advantageously suitable and intended for forming an ice piece. Preferably, the shape of the ice piece is predetermined by the geometric design of the receiving space. The ice piece is essentially spherical or essentially in the shape of an ellipsoid or essentially in the shape of a polyhedron. Of course, other arbitrary shapes of the ice piece are also conceivable.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the at least one moulding element extends along a height axis (Z). Preferably, the inlet opening of the at least one moulding element is diametrically opposite the ejection opening of the at least one moulding element. It is advantageous that the inlet opening of the at least one moulding element lies along a height axis (Z) below the ejection opening of the at least one moulding element. Advantageous filling thus takes place along the height axis Z from below into the at least one moulding element. In the case of complete filling, the receiving space is filled up to the ejection opening without liquid escaping from the at least one moulding element.
Preferably, the inlet opening of the at least one moulding element can be fluidically connected to a liquid supply device. The liquid supply device is preferably arranged in the receiving device. Preferably, a valve device is provided which only allows the flow of liquid in the direction of or into the at least one moulding element. However, the flow of liquid out of the at least one moulding element is prevented by the valve device. The valve device can advantageously be arranged in the receiving device, in the liquid supply device and/or in the at least one moulding element. Preferably, the at least one moulding element comprises a hollow cylinder-like access section which encloses the inlet opening. This access section is advantageously arranged in a sealing manner on or in a receiving element of the receiving device.
According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one retaining element is provided, which is arranged on the at least one moulding element or is formed by the wall element of the at least one moulding element. Preferably, the at least one holding element is non-positively and/or positively connected to at least one counter-holding element of the receiving device. Preferably, the non-positive and/or positive connection between the at least one retaining element and the at least one counter-holding element prevents upward displacement of the at least one moulding element along the height axis (Z).
Preferably, the at least one holding element is arranged along a circumference of the wall element. It is advantageous that the at least one holding element is arranged at least partially circumferentially along a circumference of the wall element. Preferably, the at least one holding element is completely circumferential along the circumference of the wall element. However, it is also conceivable that spatially separated sections of the retaining element are arranged distributed along the circumference of the wall element. Preferably, the holding element has a ring-like circumferential design and comprises a receiving groove in which the counter-holding element of the receiving device engages.
Advantageously, the at least one moulding element comprises a first section and a second section. Preferably, the first section is arranged along the height axis (Z) above the holding element. Preferably, the second section is arranged along the height axis (Z) below the holding element. Preferably, the holding element is arranged along the height axis (Z) essentially centrally with respect to the extension of the at least one moulding element. Due to such an advantageous design, the first section and the second section of the at least one moulding element have essentially the same extension along the height axis (Z).
According to a further preferred embodiment, the first section of the at least one moulding element comprises at least two expansion elements formed in a fold-like manner. Preferably, the first section of the at least one moulding element comprises at least three expansion elements formed in a fold-like manner. Preferably, the first section of the at least one moulding element comprises at least four-fold-like expansion elements. The at least two-fold-like expansion elements advantageously enable the ejection opening of the at least one moulding element to be enlarged. Preferably, the wall element has a slot-like opening in each of the at least two-fold-like expansion elements. It is advantageous that, in a first state, the at least two slot-like openings are tightly closed due to the elasticity of the wall element. The first state corresponds to the state in which the liquid is introduced into the receiving space and this then freezes to form the ice piece.
Preferably, an inner area of the wall element is intended to delimit the receiving space and thus provide the shape of the ice piece. In the first state, the shape of the inner region thus advantageously corresponds to the negative of the shape of the ice piece. Preferably, the inner region of the wall element is in contact with the ice piece in the first state. The slot-like openings can be advantageously spread by applying force. Such a spreading of the slot-like openings is made possible by the presence of the respective fold-like expansion elements.
Preferably, the fold-like expansion elements extend along the height axis (Z) starting from the at least one holding element at least up to a level in which the ejection opening is arranged. Preferably, the fold-like expansion elements are formed by the wall element. A one-piece moulding element that is easy to manufacture is thus provided.
According to a further preferred embodiment, an ejection element is provided, by means of which an ejection force can be applied along the height axis (Z) to the at least one moulding element and/or the ice piece. Preferably, the ejection force causes a piece of ice located in the at least one moulding element to be displaced upwards along the height axis (Z). Advantageously, the second section of the at least one moulding element is also deformed by the action of the ejection force. Preferably, the non-positive and/or positive connection of the holding element to the counter-holding element prevents a change in the position of the at least one moulding element due to the ejection force.
Preferably, the displacement of the ice piece along the height axis (Z) causes the slot-like openings to spread. This spreading of the slot-like openings enlarges the ejection opening so that the ice piece can be ejected from the at least one moulding element. In particular, for ice pieces with a spherical shape, a substantially closed moulding element is necessary in order to achieve a necessary negative shape for the ice piece. By advantageously providing the slot-like openings, the necessary negative shape can be made possible in the first state and at the same time a sufficiently large ejection opening can be provided in order to be able to remove the ice piece from the at least one moulding element.
Preferably, the clastic material of the at least one moulding element is designed in such a way that it returns to its original shape after the ice piece has been ejected and the ejection force has ceased. With such an advantageous return to the original shape, the slot-like openings are also brought together again in a sealing manner so that there is no longer any expansion and the receiving space is once again ready for the introduction of the liquid.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the elastic material is also designed in such a way that it maintains its elasticity even when exposed to cold temperatures, preferably down to −30° C. Furthermore, the elastic material is approved for handling foodstuffs, for example, FDA-compliant. Preferably, the elastic material of the at least one moulding element is a silicone.
According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one heating element is provided on the first section of the at least one moulding element. Preferably, the at least one heating element can be activated before and/or during ejection of the ice piece. Such a heating element may, for example, be a resistance wire. Alternatively, a heating fan or the like could also be provided. The heating element can be used to detach the ice piece from the moulding element in the first section of the at least one moulding element by thawing it at least in sections. This makes it easier to open the ejection opening or to spread the slot-like openings.
The task is also solved by a household appliance comprising an ice-making device according to one of the described embodiments. The household appliance can be equipped with all the features already described above in the context of the ice-making device, either individually or in combination with one another, and vice versa.
The household appliance is preferably a refrigeration appliance of the household equipment, for example a refrigerator, a freezer or the like.
The household appliance advantageously comprises a control device which is connected to the ejection device, the liquid supply device and the heating element by means of signalling technology and controls the aforementioned components accordingly.
Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention are explained with reference to the following descriptions of the attached figures. Similar components may have the same reference signs in the various embodiments.
The figures show:
The ice-making device 1 and the at least one moulding element 3 extend along a height axis Z, a longitudinal axis X and a width axis Y.
The ice-making device 1 can be installed in a household appliance 100, for example a refrigeration appliance for household use, in particular a refrigerator, a freezer or another household appliance.
In
The at least one moulding element 3 comprises a wall element 7, which encloses a receiving space 8. The receiving space 8 is suitable and intended for forming an ice piece 4. The ice piece 4 can be essentially spherical or essentially in the form of an ellipsoid or essentially in the form of a polyhedron. Of course, any other shape of the ice piece 4 is conceivable. In the figures and in the following, reference is made to an essentially spherical shape of the ice piece 4 and a correspondingly designed moulding element 3. However, this is not to be understood as a limitation of the generality.
The at least one moulding element 3 comprises an inlet opening 5, for example shown in
Furthermore, the inlet opening 5 is fluidically connected to a liquid supply device 9. It is conceivable that at least one valve device is provided which only allows a flow of liquid to or into the at least one moulding element 3 but prevents a flow of liquid from the at least one moulding element 3. Such a valve device can be integrated in the at least one moulding element 3 and/or in the receiving device 2 and/or in the liquid supply device 9.
The at least one moulding element 3 comprises an access section 3c, which is hollow-cylindrical in shape. This access section 3c surrounds the inlet opening 5 and projects away from the inlet opening 5 along the height axis Z. The access section 3c sits on a receiving element 18, which is cylindrical in shape. The liquid supply device 9 is also arranged at least partially inside the receiving element 18.
The at least one moulding element 3 is filled with liquid along the height axis Z. The at least one moulding element 3 is completely filled with liquid (i.e., up to the ejection opening 6). After filling, the liquid freezes (i.e., the liquid changes to a solid state). A corresponding cooling device or a cooling supply device is provided for this purpose.
The at least one moulding element 3 further comprises a retaining element 10, which can be formed entirely by the wall element 7 or arranged on the moulding element 3. The at least one holding element 10 is non-positively and/or positively connected to at least one counter-holding element 11 of the receiving device 2. In the figures, the holding element 10 is formed circumferentially along the circumference. The retaining element 10 is designed as a ring-like element that comprises a circumferential retaining groove 10a. The counter-holding element 11, which is designed as a retaining projection, engages in this retaining groove 10a.
The holding element 10 is arranged substantially centrally along the extension along the height axis Z of the at least one moulding element 3. The at least one moulding element 3 comprises a first section 3a, which is arranged along the height axis Z above the holding element 10. Furthermore, the at least one moulding element 3 comprises a second section 3b, which is arranged along the height axis Z below the holding element 10. The second section 3b merges into the access section 3c.
The first section 3a of the at least one moulding element 3 comprises at least two expansion elements 12 formed in a fold-like manner. Preferably, the first section 3a comprises at least three expansion elements 12 formed in a fold-like manner. Further preferably, the first section 3a comprises at least four expansion elements 12 formed in a fold-like manner. According to the embodiments shown in the figures, exactly four expansion elements 12 formed in a fold-like manner are provided. The number of expansion elements 12 depends on the selected shape of the ice piece or the negative shape of the receiving space 8 of the at least one moulding element 3. In the present case, an essentially spherical ice piece 4 is present. At least three, preferably four, fold-like expansion elements 12 are provided for such an ice piece. The expansion elements 12 serve to enable the ejection opening 6 to be enlarged. The fold-like expansion elements 12 extend along the height axis Z, starting from the at least one holding element 10, at least up to a level 14 in which the ejection opening 6 is arranged and is formed by the wall element 7.
The wall element 7 comprises slot-like openings 13. One such slot-like opening 13 is arranged in the radial direction within a fold-like expansion element 12. The wall element 7 has an inner region 7a, which encloses the receiving space 8 and thus determines the shape of the ice piece 4. This inner area 7a is interrupted by the slot-like openings 13. In a first state, which comprises the introduction of the liquid and the transition to the solid aggregate state or the frozen state, the slot-like openings 13 are closed by the elasticity of the material of the wall element 7 or the moulding element 3. The slot-like openings 13 can only be opened or spread apart by the application of force. In the aforementioned first state, the slot-like openings 13 therefore have no influence on the absorption of the liquid or the formation of the ice piece 4.
According to the embodiments shown in
As can be seen in
Furthermore, an ejection element 15 is provided. An ejection force 16 along the height axis Z can be applied to the at least one moulding element 3 and/or the ice piece 4 by the ejection element 15. The ejection force 16 causes a piece of ice 4 located in the at least one moulding element 3 to be displaced upwards along the height axis Z. The ejection element 15 can have a pin-like design and be arranged inside the receiving element 18.
When the ice piece 4 is ejected, the ejection element 15 contacts the at least one moulding element 3, whereby the ejection force 16 acts on the second section 3b of the at least one moulding element 3. The engagement of the counter-holding element 11 in the holding element 10 prevents the at least one moulding element 3 from being displaced or changed in position. Accordingly, the second section 3b of the at least one moulding element 3 is deformed by the expressive force 16. Furthermore, the ice piece 4 is displaced upwards along the height axis Z. Alternatively, it would also be possible for the ejection element 15 to be displaced through the inlet opening 5 and for the ejection force 16 to be applied directly to the ice piece 4. However, the first-mentioned alternative has the advantage that the ice piece 4 cannot be damaged by the ejection element 15.
By displacing the ice piece 4 upwards along the height axis Z, the ejection force 16 also acts on the first section 3a of the at least one moulding element 3, whereby the slot-like openings 13 are spread apart. The entire first section 3a and, in particular, the ejection opening 6 can be enlarged by the pleat-like expansion elements 12, so that the ice piece 4 can be removed from the at least one moulding element. In
The elastic material of the at least one moulding element 3 must therefore be designed in such a way that it has sufficient elasticity or stiffness to allow the moulding element 3 to return to its original shape. Furthermore, the elastic material must retain such elasticity even when exposed to cold temperatures, preferably down to −30° C. Finally, the elastic material must be approved for use with foodstuffs.
The ejection element 15 is part of an ejection device 22. The ejection device 22 can be controlled in such a way that only one ice piece 4 is ejected or that several or even all ice pieces are ejected simultaneously.
Furthermore, at least one heating element 17 is arranged on the first section 3a of the at least one moulding element 3. This is shown in
The receiving device 2 comprises an upper section 2a, in which the first section 3a of the at least one moulding element 3 is arranged. This upper section 2a is dimensioned in such a way that the first section 3a of the at least one moulding element 3 can be enlarged. Furthermore, a lower section 2b is provided, in which the receiving element 18 is arranged.
The household appliance 100 comprises a control device 101, which is connected to the ejection device 22, the liquid supply device 9 and the heating element 17 by means of signalling technology and controls the aforementioned components accordingly. This is shown in
The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as being essential to the invention, provided that they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. It should also be noted that the individual figures also describe features which may be advantageous in themselves. The skilled person immediately recognises that a particular feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, the skilled person recognises that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102023127770.7 | Oct 2023 | DE | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20090308085 | DeVos | Dec 2009 | A1 |
| 20160097576 | Bartkowski | Apr 2016 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2020015707 | Jan 2020 | WO |
| 2022206851 | Oct 2022 | WO |
